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Commentary

Some days it is difficult to be a mom. There are days when I just want to crawl back in bed, put the blanket over my head, and never get back up (that is probably most days). Then, there are days when my son – my little angel – will be the sweetest thing and the day turns out perfect. If I’m lucky, this happens once a week.

Immediately after Congress came back to Washington in January, we voted to gut the worst parts of Obamacare: the individual and employer insurance mandates. Did we think the president would sign this bill into law? We certainly hoped he would put the will of Congress and the American people ahead of his personal agenda, but we didn’t hold our breath. President Obama vetoed the bill soon after we sent it to him.

As February begins, so too does another legislative session in Oklahoma. This year I had the honor of giving my sixth “State of the State” address, delivering my executive budget and outlining an agenda for forward progress and economic growth. These are the topics I addressed and the priorities I believe our legislative session should focus on.

You have often heard that there is power in numbers, but you also have heard that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” To get your voice heard, sometimes you have to gather those who are likeminded, travel to Washington and let your voice be heard. That is what supporters of the “right to life” are doing Friday, Jan. 22, in the annual “March for Life.” Those making the trip will rally on the grounds of the Washington Monument and then make a reflective march on Constitution Avenue to show support for the unborn.

Have you guys older than, let’s say 30, noticed a pattern with some trends? Like, back when you were a teenager certain fashion trends were very popular, but as you got older they were definitely out-of-style. Then, some 10 years later they are – all of a sudden – popular again. I catch myself thinking back to when I was a kid, and the reminising begins. At 25, there are things that I wore as a child in the 90s that have come back in style.

Despite the commonly held opinion that this has been an unproductive Congress, I believe that this year lawmakers have proven that the federal government can function under regular order and responsibly get the work of the American people done. .